By Lois Staas NEWS Correspondent
Superintendent Annette Castiglione presented the results of the 2007-2008 Bellmawr Public Schools Community Survey during the recent Board of Education meeting.
The survey was distributed to all district families and had 345 respondents.
Printed results were distributed as Castiglione highlighted the assessment.
The ongoing controversy over the length of the spring break was put into perspective.
Survey results indicate that 254 are in favor of a break as it was scheduled this year (one week); 75 were opposed, and 16 had no opinion.
\”We agree,\” Castiglione said to the 16 respondents who offered opinions that the teachers and principals are doing an excellent job.
As to the two respondents who expressed concerns over the changes to the middle school curriculum, the superintendent replied, \”We are planning a parent meeting to explain how this schedule will work to benefit students.
\”Also I believe in a rigorous program. To the respondent who expressed a need for less homework and fewer project-based learning activities, we try to give students multiple opportunities for learning and for assessment. Projects are an enjoyable way for students to demonstrate what they have learned.\”
Board Member Betty Sheppard said, \”Welcome back to Mr. Beail after his leave from surgery.\”
\”Thank you. I am looking forward to September,\” Beail said.
Castiglione acknowledged the resignation and service of Spanish teacher Ms. Susan Page, who has \”accepted a position at another district.\”
In his committee report Board Member Ron Henry assured everyone, \”The buildings are sound and are basically in very good shape with few problems.\”
Regina Andrews-Collette, president of the Bellmawr Education Association, asked for clarification concerning the roof repairs to the Bellmawr Park and Ethel Burke schools.
\”Some roof repairs need to be taken care of, as well as the carpets at Burke and Bellmawr Park,\” Henry said. \”As a matter of fact the air quality has been tested the past two years.\”
Mr. Beail requested and received confirmation that the needed work would be completed by school opening so that the buildings would be safe for employees, as well as students.
A special highlight of the evening occurred as Ethel Burke School student Anjali Patel, a fourth grader, accepted an award for placing fourth in the Camden County Poster Contest.
Presenter Ron Henry applauded Anjali, \”an enthusiastic student who is always willing to share ideas and is creative in all of her work, especially art.\”
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Belmawr BOE will be Tuesday, August 24, and the Board will go into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters.
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